The slider door opened again, followed by Brandt Swanson, Scott Gervasio and Roland Dube stepping onto the back deck, each of them holding a wrapped present.
“Thanks for coming, fellas,” Mac told them.
“I wouldn’t have missed it, Mac,” Roland said.
“I would have,” Brandt joked, “but I know I’d never hear the end of it.”
Mac laughed. “Can I get you guys a drink?”
“It’s five o’clock somewhere,” Scott replied.
Mac headed back toward the kitchen to mix their drinks. The party was completely underway.
⧝
While the kids played, the adults gathered in two small groups: Jen, Diane and their mom sat together, while Mac, Brandt, Scott and Roland huddled off in another corner of the deck.
“So how did last night go?” Sue asked, grinning.
“That’s right,” Diane said, “I forgot to ask.”
Jen looked at her sister and shook her head. “Mac planned the most incredible dinner for our anniversary,” she said, talking directly to her mother. “We even renewed our vows…”
“You did?” Sue asked, slurring both words.
Jen nodded. “More or less.” She couldn’t stop smiling. “It was the most amazing night.” She looked toward the grille. I wonder how he’s feeling?
“Good for you,” Sue said, sipping her drink.
Jen found Mac peering over at her. He winked. She returned the playful gesture. He must be feeling better, she thought, because the beer bottles are really starting to pile up near that grille.
“Yeah, good for you,” Diane repeated. “It’s so nice that your happiness is reliant on a man…”
Jen stood, cutting off her sister. “Thanks, Mom,” she said, bending to kiss the intoxicated woman’s rosy cheek. “I should go check on my other guests.” She looked down at her sister. “You really do need to get over your daddy issues, Diane,” Jen said. Shaking her head at her sister’s absurdity, she started for the kitchen to warm up more appetizers.
While Sue laughed, Diane opened her mouth to reply. Nothing came out.
⧝
Wearing his Kiss the Cook apron, Mac flipped another batch of charred burgers onto the plate of buns being held by his wife.
“Feeling okay?” she asked him in a whisper.
“Never better,” he replied, and then lowered his tone. “Maybe it was just the result of eight minutes of intense physical activity?”
Feeling relieved, she grinned. “Well if that’s the case, then maybe we should cut that timeframe in half going forward?”
“I could definitely make that happen.”
They both laughed and, before Jen turned to leave, he stole a kiss from her. In turn, she stole a swig of his beer. “Hey, get your own,” he teased.
She put the platter of burgers down to grab his smiling face. “My dear, in case you’ve already forgotten, everything that’s yours is mine.”
He wrinkled his nose in a display of playful disapproval. Jen took the opportunity to pat his backside, earning her another wink.
“And I wouldn’t have it any other way, beautiful,” Mac whispered. “Okay kids,” he called out in a comical screech, “come and get it!”
The children stampeded toward the grill. As they lined up for their food, Mac teased each one, affectionately patting the heads of Jillian, Bella and Brady.
Although Bella and Brady clearly appreciated their father’s attention, Jillian violently jerked her head to avoid his touch.
Jen laughed before rejoining her mother and sister at their plastic patio table.
⧝
As the day progressed, so did Mac’s level of intoxication. Even still, he took charge of the children’s games, hosting several chaotic rounds of musical chairs and one nearly lethal game of pin the tail on the donkey.
When the hired clown finally arrived, the big-shoed prankster performed magic tricks before twisting balloons into vague animal shapes. Mac took it one step further and filled some of the balloons with water, arming each child for battle. As their laughter turned to wondrous squeals, the excitement spilled through the yard and contagiously rubbed off on the adults. Before it was over, even Sue was soaked from head-to-toe.
Once Jen finally stopped laughing, she returned from the kitchen with Brady’s birthday cake. As the sun dove for the horizon, she lit the candles. Arm-in-arm, she and Mac joined their family and friends in a strong rendition of “Happy Birthday to You.”
“I wish…I wish…” Brady whispered, his eyes closed tight. He blew out seven candles. While everyone applauded, Jen and Mac kissed. As fast as he could shred through the paper, Bella passed one gift after the other to her little brother. It didn’t take long before the smiling boy was sitting in front of a pile of new clothes and shiny toys.
Mac approached his young son. With a proud smile, he handed Brady his last gift.
He’s going to love it, Jen thought, excited for her little guy.
Brady ripped through the wrapping and opened the box, pulling out a small white sailor’s hat. “Dad, does this mean…?” he began to ask.
“It sure does, Brady,” Mac confirmed. “You’re now an official crew member of the Anderson sailing team. We ship out in the morning.”
“Yes,” Brady squealed, “my wish came true!”
Applause echoed through the yard for the second time.
While the boy donned the tiny white hat, Mac took a knee and spoke to his son about safety. “Sailing can be a lot of fun, but it can also be very dangerous. Like everything else in life, you’ll be fine if you show respect; respect for the boat, for the water, and for me.”
A set of wide eyes remained glued on the beloved teacher.
“As the captain,” Mac continued, “you have to listen to everything I tell you out there on the water. If you don’t, somebody might get hurt.” He searched Brady’s eyes. “So, when I tell you to do something, don’t question it. Just do it. We can always talk about it later, okay?”
“We know, Dad,” Jillian and Bella sang in chorus.
“I know you do,” Mac said, “but it’s important that Brady knows, too.”
As if on cue, Brady saluted. “Aye, aye Captain.”
Everyone, except Brady, laughed.
⧝
Darkness swallowed the last hint of light before all the party guests bid their farewells.
“That yard’s a disaster,” Jen said. “I’d better go clean up.” She turned to her children. “I’ll be up in a little while to kiss you guys goodnight.”
“Thanks for the party, Mom and Dad,” Brady told them.
“You’re welcome, son.”
While Jen headed for the yard, the kids lined up before their father.
“Goodnight, Dad,” Brady said before sprinting for his bedroom.
“Goodnight, buddy,” Mac called out after him. “Love you.”
“Love you too,” the boy yelled back, already halfway up the stairs.
Bella approached Mac next. “Goodnight, Daddy,” she said.
He pulled her in for a tight hug. “Sweet dreams, angel. I’ll see you in the morning.”
The young girl kissed his cheek.
Watching her walk away, Mac called out, “Love you…”
“Love you more,” she said without turning around.
At the base of the stairs, Jillian said, “Night Dad.”
“Night Jill.” He looked toward the ceiling. “Listen, the monsters don’t have to go right to sleep, but please make sure they don’t kill each other up there.”
“No worries. I got it,” she said.
“Love you, Jill.”
“I know,” the smirking tomboy said, heading for her bedroom.
What a fun age you’re at now, he thought, and grinned.
⧝
<
br /> Mac joined his wife in the yard. It looked as though an angry twister had passed through just hours before. Streamers and broken balloons covered the lawn. Cake frosting was smeared on the patio furniture. He looked at Jen; they shared a laugh over the mess.
While crickets chirped, they worked together to clean up, a comforting silence hanging between them. Jen yawned, causing Mac to do the same. They chuckled again.
“So, an early wake-up call, huh?” Jen said.
Mac nodded. “Taking the kids sailing at first light.”
“Brady made out like a bandit today,” she said, yawning again.
“He sure did,” Mac agreed. “It’s funny. I was just thinking the same thing— about how blessed we are for the family and friends we have.”
Jen nodded. “I agree, but it’s the other stuff that makes me feel blessed. The way you play with the kids…how they laugh.”
Taking a break from the cleaning, Mac took a seat. “You know, Jen, I don’t even remember what our life was like without the kids around.” He thought about it and smiled. “And I’m glad I don’t.”
With a kiss, she took a seat beside him and studied his face. “How are you feeling?” she asked.
“Stop worrying, babe,” he told her, “I’m fine.”
She smiled. “Good, then why don’t you finish this yard,” she suggested, “while I go tuck in the kids and then take a shower.”
“I get another eight minutes tonight?” he asked.
She started for the house. “If you think you can handle it,” she called over her shoulder.
Oh, I can handle it, he thought, hurrying to finish his chore.
⧝
After checking in on the kids, Mac slid into a pair of pajama bottoms, while Jen threw on the matching top. They eased into bed.
“Well,” she said, “it looks like in a couple of weeks I can pick up where I left off with my career.”
Yawning, Mac locked eyes with his wife. “What’s that?”
“Come September,” she said, “all the kids will be in school full-time and I can finally return to work,” she whispered. “It’s always been our plan and I’m so excited to…”
Mac rolled over and landed on top of her where he kissed her passionately. “You sure you want to talk about work right now?” he asked.
She didn’t respond. Instead, she slid off her top and pulled Mac onto her. Heavy breathing and faint moans quickly changed the subject.
⧝
As though he’d been buried alive, both car doors closed in on Mac. He struggled and struggled but he still couldn’t break out of the dark, crumpled box. I’m trapped, he thought, I’m trapped and…and there’s no escape.
Suffocating on a pair of empty lungs, Mac shot up in bed. His eyes suddenly thrown open, he searched for the cause of his anguish. There was nothing there. It suddenly dawned on him, It was just a stupid nightmare. Even still, he continued to gasp for air, while a frigid film of sweat covered his trembling body. He looked to his side to find Jen sleeping peacefully. He considered waking her. No, he decided, she worried enough about me today. Slowly pulling the covers off his legs, Mac tiptoed out of the bedroom.
Alone in the living room, Mac took a seat on the couch and was going to click on the TV when a powerful wave yanked him erect, making him gasp for air again. I can’t friggin’ breathe, he thought, his mind racing for an answer. While he held his chest, his hand trembled uncontrollably. “What the hell is happening to me?” he whispered, his pathetic voice quivering in the silence.
But as quickly as the inexplicable episode began, it passed over him. I should go tell Jen, he thought, but considered the sailing trip in the morning. No. He took a few deep breaths. Maybe it’s just from a lack of sleep?
Chapter 3
Jen was deathly afraid of water, so she always stayed home when the family went sailing—usually with Brady. She’d nearly drowned as a child, Mac thought, and has never been able to face her fears of the water. Strangely, this always bothered him. Jen’s very logical, he thought, so it doesn’t make sense that she can’t get past it. He’d never made an issue of it. I suppose some things are better dealt with alone, he thought. Besides, I kind of like the idea of sharing my passion for sailing with just the kids. It was his favorite way to bond with them. And as an added bonus, he was happy to give his wife the precious gift of being able to sleep in. She holds down the Anderson fort every day, he thought. She deserves a break.
The sun was yet to rise when Mac—exhausted from the previous night’s peculiar event and the lack of sleep that followed—turned the mini-van onto the highway. He juggled the steering wheel in one hand and a hot cup of coffee in the other. They weren’t two miles down the road when he realized, It’s been too long since I’ve taken Jillian and Bella sailing. He glanced into the rear-view mirror and smiled. All three kids were very much awake for the early hour, squirming with excitement. Brady beamed the brightest, thrilled to be embarking on his first watery adventure. I’ve become so busy with work deadlines, Mac thought, that I’ve forgotten the blessings of innocent fun.
Trees flew by the window and, as the sun finally made its grand entrance, Mac began a chorus of songs. “Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream…” He peered back into the rear-view mirror again and the warmth of unconditional love filled his soul. My life really is a dream, he thought.
⧝
The adventure began as soon as they pulled up to the marina. With shoes unlaced, only the kids’ breathing could chug faster than their feet. Each one beat Mac to the long, wooden dock.
They might be smaller than me, he thought, but they sure are quick.
At the sailboat slip, the children donned their bright-orange life vests. “Okay guys,” Mac said, taking a knee and speaking to them again about safety, “do you remember what I told you at Brady’s party, that sailing can be a lot of fun, but it can also be very dangerous?”
Three heads nodded, each set of wide eyes focused on their teacher.
“Safety must come first,” Mac continued, “so you have to listen to everything I tell you out there today.”
“We know, Dad,” Jillian and Bella replied in symphony. “You already told us that.”
“And it’s worth repeating,” Mac said.
Wearing his most serious face, Brady saluted his dad. “Aye, aye, Captain.”
Jillian and Bella burst into laughter. Brady, however, maintained his intense demeanor.
Mac assisted each child onto the boat. After untying the ropes from the slip and throwing them onto the boat, he jumped aboard. “Okay then,” he said, “let’s go have some fun.”
⧝
It was a calm, sunny day, with only a few clouds bringing about slight winds; it’s a perfect day for Brady to break into sailing, Mac thought. Jillian, Bella and Brady sat at the rear of the boat, listening attentively as their dad worked the sails. After tying off a rope, Mac began pointing out the animals that foraged on the shore, birds gliding in the sky, and so on.
Brady’s face was frozen in awe. The boy scanned the world around him before his eyes finally met Mac’s.
He obviously wants to describe what he’s feeling, but can’t articulate it, Mac realized. With a smile, he answered the question that his little boy could not put into words. “It’s the feeling of freedom, Brady, that’s what you feel.” After a thoughtful pause, he spoke to them all. “But guys, you don’t need to be happy to feel free. Like everything else in this world worth living for, freedom lives right in here.” He pointed to his chest, inhaling deeply to drive his point home. The kids followed suit. After a proud nod, he returned to working the main sail—but not before he saw the kids look at each other and exchange smiles. The deep breathing continued.
“Why doesn’t Mom come with us?” Brady eventually asked.
�
�Because this is my thing with you guys,” Mac answered, “and she’s very considerate for letting us have the time together.”
The small boy shook his head, unconvinced.
“Have you always liked to sail, Dad?” Bella asked.
“Yes,” Mac said, realizing that he felt completely at peace; whatever was plaguing him at home hadn’t followed him out here. “But I didn’t even try it until I was much older than you guys.” Taking in their tranquil surroundings, he added, “I wasn’t able to do a whole lot when I was a kid, but it’s not…” He stopped to find the right words.
“What Dad?” Jillian asked.
“It’s all about finding something that brings you peace,” he explained. “For me, it’s being outdoors, close to nature.” He inhaled deeply. “Being on the water feels like time spent in heaven for me.”
“Then why don’t you do it more?” Bella innocently asked.
“Yeah,” Brady added, “instead of working all the time.”
Mac chuckled. “Because when you’re an adult, you do what you have to do before you can do what you want to do.”
“That’s stupid,” Jillian blurted before looking up with a face that expected to be scolded.
Mac grinned at her. “I agree.”
Brady shook his head. “It doesn’t sound like being an adult is too much fun.”
“It’s what you make it, son,” Mac said, smiling.
⧝
Throughout the magical day, Brady told stories that made no sense. The four of them ate fast-melting popsicles from a small, red cooler and laughed under the sun. For everyone’s entertainment, Bella described each person on every passing boat with great fictitious detail. “That one’s a real princess,” she said, “and the man with her is an astronaut.” As they lay in the boat, looking up to watch big puffy clouds float by, they took turns pointing out the obvious pictures painted above. So many games I’ve forgotten, Mac thought.
“I don’t think I want to become an adult,” Brady commented out of nowhere. “I’ve been thinking about it and I think I’d rather stay a kid.”
“Me too,” Mac replied.
Three Shoeboxes e-book Page 3